Tractor



W. L. ZINK Sept. 8, 1942.

TRACTOR Filed. Oct. 1939 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 William L. ia/c INVENTOR.

BY Q6 v l ATTORNEY.

w. L. ZINK 2,294,945

TRACTOR Filed Oct. 4, 1939 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 emu v Sept. 8, 1942.

Wiliiam. L. Zink INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY.

W. L. ZlNK Sept. 8, 1942.

TRACTOR Filed Oct. 4, 1959 5 Sheets-Sheet 5 a? n3 Q w nu at 2 Witliam L. Zink INVENTQR.

BY J

ATTORNEY.

w. L. ZINK Sept. 8, 1942.

TRACTOR Filed Oct. 4, 1939 5 Sheets-Sheet 4 ,zoo

,K m Z L m d m w INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY.

S 3, 1942'- w. L. ZINVK 2,294,945

TRACTOR :Filed 061:. 4, 19:59 5-Sheets-Sheet 5- William L. Zirzk INVENTOR.

ATTORNEY.

' Patentedsept. 1942- JQFFICE Y rnac'ron I William L. Zink. Plano, lll., assignor to Sears, Roebuck and 00., Chicago, 111., a corporation of New York Application Ootober 4, .1939, serial No. 297,849

This invention relates generally to vehicles and more particularly tractors intended for use with agricultural implements such as cultivators, barrows, plows, and the like.

An object of this invention is to provide an improved and novel tractor structure which is particularly adapted for use with diflerent types of agricultural implements or tools. Another important object of the .invention is to provide a tractor having an improved and novel structure for having the implements or tools attached thereto. a

A further object of the invention .is to provide a tractor having an improved and novel arrange ment of the frame, the engine block, the transmission, andthe controls.

Another object of the invention is to devise a tractor provided vwith an improved and novel engine block having the dual function of supporting the motor and serving as a mounting for the front axle structure.

Another important object of the invention is to provide an improved and novel construction and automotive engine block shown in Figure 3;

Figure 8 is a fragmentary front elevation of a front wheel structure; I v I Figure 9 is an enlarged detafl plan view of the Figure 10 is an end elevation of the block in Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a side elevation of the structure,

h shown in Figure 9;

, housing l4 containing a gear mechanism, not

arrangement of the front axle and steering structures whereby the front wheels may be positioned different distances apart and implements or tools may be mounted on the front axle structure.

A further object of the invention is'to provide a tractor having an improved and novel adjustable draw-bar construction and arrangement with the frame of the tractor.

Another object of the invention is to provide a tractor which is simple in construction and operation, and inexpensive to manufacture.

Other objects and advantages will be apparent from the following description.

In the accompanying drawings illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention:

Figures 1 is a side elevation of a tractor embodying the present invention, the near rear wheel being removed;

Figure 2 is a side elevation taken from the other side of the tractor, the hood and near rear wheel being removed and a fragment 'of the transmis- 'sion housing being broken away;

Figure 3 is a top plan view of the structure Figures 1-2 and 13 a're'side (and plan views, respectively, of the structure for connecting the front axle bar to the engine block;

Figures 14 and 15 are vertical sectional detail views taken substantially along the lines- I4M and I 5l 5; respectively, of Figure 2; and

Figure .16 is a detail elevational view of the bracket for mounting the steering mechanism on the engine block. i I

The embodiment of the invention, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, provides a tractor referred to generally by the reference character iiLjhavihg a frame l2 and a transmission shown. 7 I

The frame l2 comprises a pair of spaced apart frame bars l6 preferably channelshaped in crosssection and positioned with the flanges thereof extending inwardly. v

The gear mechanism in the transmission housing M is so designed that the housing ll may be provided with a pair of spaced-apart depending housing portions It for receiving aligned axles 20 which are operatively connected with the gear shown in Figure 2, the motor, seat, and steering wheel being removed:

Figure 4 is a rear elevation the draw-bar removed;

Figure 5 is an enlarged detail draw-bar structure;

Figures 6 and 7 are enlarged vertical sectional views taken substantially along the lines 6-8 and of the tractor with plan view of the l-l, respectively, oi? Figure 3;

mechanism within the housing I 4.

As best shown in Figures 1 and 3-,'each of the axles 20 is provided with ahead 22 for having the hub of a wheel 24 attached thereto.

The housing portions Iii are each provided with a braking mechanism, not shown, for braking the respective wheels 24, each of the braking mechanismsbeing manually operable by a lever 26 pivotall'y connected to the frame I2 and operatively connected to its respective braking mechanism by a rod 28. v

A conventional seat 30 for the operator is positioned above the transmission housing It and mounted thereon by means of a bracket 32, and a shift lever 34 is conveniently positioned on the top of the transmission housing M and operatively connected to the transmission mechanism ing' it and have'the rear ends thereof fixedly connected to frame plates 36 by suitable means engine I such'as welding. The frame bars I8 and plates '88 are fixedly connected to flanges 88 integral with the housing I4 and housing portions I8 by means of bolts.-

The frame bars I8 extend forwardly of the transmission housing I4 and are connected to a block 48 on which a motor 42 is mounted.

As best shown in Figures 9, 10, and 11, the block is provided with top flange portions 44 having openings therein for receiving the bolts which connect the motor to the block, and is also provided with projecting side portions 48 "receivable between the intumed top and bottom flanges of the frame bars I8, for definitely positioning the block relatively to the frame bars, the block being provided with openings 48 extending through the side portions 48 for receiving bolts 58 (Figures 1 to 3) connecting the block to the frame bars. It will be noted tht the side portions 48 are provided with recesses 82 for receiving the heads of bolts 54 (Figures 1 to 3) which extend from the inside to the outside of the frame bars I8 for connecting attachments to the frame.

As seen in Figures 1 to 3, a combination axle and tool supporting bar 58- substantially square in cross-section, is positioned at the front of the tractor andis adjustably and fixedly retained in a clamping member 58 by means of bolts 88.

An arbor shaft 82 (Figures 3, 12 and 13) is journaled in an opening 84 (Figures 3, 9 to 1}) extending longitudinally of the block 48, and extends into the clamping member 88 to which it is fixedly connected by any suitable means such as welding. The clamping member 58 has a shoulder 88 which engages the block 48 and acts as a thrust bearing for limiting longitudinal movement of the shaft in one direction and the other end of the shaft is provided with a stop such as a pin 88 for limiting the longitudinal movement of the shaft in the other direction.

The shaft 82 is free to oscillate relatively to the block 48, which oscillations are limited by means of stop portions I8 integral with the clamping member 58 and oppositely positioned relatively to the shaft 82. The stop portions I8 are arranged for engagement with a forwardly projecting portion 12 integral with and. comprising a part of block 48 for limiting the oscillations of the clamping member. It will be noted that the block 48 is also provided with an elevated front portion 14 with which the forwardly projecting portion I2 is continuous and on which a bracket I8 shown in Figures 2, 3, and 16, is mounted, the bracket being connected with the steering mechanism.

Thus it will be seen that the block 48 tie's and braces the frame bars I8, serves as a base for the motor and a bearing for the arbor shaft 82, and also provides a mounting for the steering mechanism.

As best shown in Figures 1, 3, and 8, a pair of wheels 18 is positioned at the front end and on opposite sides of the tractor for supporting and guiding the front end of the tractor. Each of the wheels I8 is rotatably mounted in a fork 88 having an upwardly extending spindle 82 fixedly connected therewith as by welding,

The spindle 82 is iournalled in a bracket member 84 having a V-shaped recess for receiving the axle bar 58 and positioned on the front thereof. A cap 88 is connected to the top of the spindle 82 for retaining the spindle in the bracket 84.

The bracket member 84 is mounted on the axle bar 58 and adjustably connected therewith by means of a complementary bracket member 88 positioned on the opposite side of the axle bar 88 from the bracket member 84 and likewise provided with a V-shaped recess for receiving the of screws 88 positioned above and below the axle bar 88 and extending through the complementary bracket member 88 and into threaded openings in the bracket member 84.

'Each of the forks 88 is provided with a forwardly extending arm 82 fixedly connected therewith and pivotally connected to a-cross arm 84. The cross arms 84 extend between the flanges of a channel cross bar 88 and are provided with a plurality of spaced apart openings 88 therein for being adjustably connected to the cross bar 88, one of the cross arms 84 being connected to the cross bar 88 by a bolt I88 as shown in Figures 3 and '7, and the other cross arm 84 being connected to the cross bar 88 by a bolt I82 having a ball shaped head I84, as shown in Figure 6.

The axle bar 88 may be provided with notches I88 in an edge thereof in order that the clamping member 88 may be centrally positioned on the axle bar 88 during assembly, and is also preferably provided with similar notches I 88 spaced to correspond to the spacing of the holes 88 in the cross arms 84, so that the brackets 84 may be properly positioned on the axle bar 88 when the spaced apart positions of the wheels are changed.

It -will be noted that when the front wheels 18 are to be positioned a lesser or greater distance apart, the bolts I88 and I82 are removed from. the cross bar 88 and arms 84, and the screws 88 which are connected to the wheel brackets 84 are loosened. The wheels I8 then may be 'adjustably positioned as determined by the holes 88 and the notches I88, and may be spaced a considerable distance apart by utilizing a longer axle bar 58 and longer cross arms 84.

Thus it will readily be seen that ground working tools may be mounted on the axle bar 88 in which case the front wheels I8 also function as gauge wheels because both of the front wheels are always in engagement with the ground as a result of the front axle bar being free to oscillate about the axis of the oscillatable shaft 82.

Referring to Figures 2, 3, and 6, the ball I84 is receivable in the end of a. drag link II8 which has the other end similarly connected to a steering arm H2. The steering arm H2 is operatively connected to a steering device II4 manually operable by a steering wheel II8 through the medium of a steering shaft I I8.

The steering device H4 is connected to the bracket I8 hereinbefore referred to by a pair of bolts, a forward or pivot bolt I28 extending through an opening I22 in the bracket, and a rear or swinging bolt I24 which extends through a slot I28 in the bracket (Figures 3 and 16). The steering shaft H8 is supported by being journalled in a steering bracket I28 (Figures land 2) connected to a post I38 by a bolt I32, the steering post I88 being fixedly connected to a frame bar I8.

When the tractor is tobe' shipped in commerce, the steering bracket I28 is disconnected from the steering post I88 by removing the bolt I32, and the bolt I24 connecting the steering device II4 to the bracket I8 is loosened whereby the steering wheel I I8 and the shaft I I8 may be swung downwardly so that the tractor may require a smaller box or crate for shipment. The bolt I24 may then be tightened for retaining the steering wheel in its lowermost position.

The motor 42, illustrated in the drawings, is an air cooled motor having an air intake screened opening I34,(Figure 1) on one side and a driving pulley I36 on the other side. The driving pulley I36.(Figure 2) is operatively connected by means of a belt I38 to a driven pulley I40 positioned on the exterior of the transmission housing I4 for driving the transmission mechanism contained therein.

As best shown in Figure 2, the tautness of the belt I38 is determined by an idle pulley I42 positioned on the underside of the belt I38 and carried by an arm I44 swingably connected to the transmission housing I4. The idle pulley I42 is normally retained in yielding engagement with the belt I 38 for keeping the belt taut by means of a tension spring I46 having one end connected to a stub arm I48 integraLwith the arm I44, and the other end adjustably attached by means of an eye bolt I50 to an angle bracket I62 secured to a frame bar l6.

The tension of the spring I46 is overcome for releasing the pressure of 'the idle pulley I42 on the belt I38 and thereby permitting the belt to slip on the pulleys I36 and I40 for operatively disconnecting the motor from the transmission, by means of a manually operable oscillating foot lever I54 mounted in bracket plates I56 carried by the frame bars I6 and provided with an integral depending arm I58 which isattached to the stub arm I48 by means of a rod I60. Thus, it will be seen that the foot operated idle pulley structure functions in the manner of a clutch for dissociating the motor from the transmission.

As shown in Figures 2, 14, and 15, the belt I38 is provided with a guard comprising an inner section I62 and an outer section I64. The inner section I62 has a side wall portion I66 supported on a standard I68 carried by a frame bar I6, and top wall portions I and I12, the top wall portion I10 extending outwardly beneath the top forward portion of the belt, and the top wall portion I12 extending outwardly above the top rear portion of the belt. The inner section I62 is also provided with bottom wall portions I16 and I16 which extend outwardly beneath the lower portion of the belt.

The outer guard section ifid is likewise provided with a side wall portion I18 which is attached to the transmission housing M by means of a strapl80, and has top and bottom wall portions i232 which extend inwardly between the top and bottom wall portions 112 and I10, respectively, of the inner section.

The inner and outer guard' sections I62 and IE0, respectively, are further supported by the post I30, through a bolt I80 which extends through openings in the side walls of the sections, the side walls bein spaced the proper distance apart by means of a spacing element I06 disposed on the bolt I80 and positioned between the side portions. j

A cowling or hood I88 is disposed over the motor and has a side provided with the opening I30 through which air may pass to the motor. The side of the cowling having the air intake opening is connected to the motor by means of screws I90, and the other side I92 of the cowling is positioned exteriorly of the bolt i30-and belt guard,

also illustrated as being provided with flanges I94 for being connected to the cowling.

Thus it will be seen that the cowling not only covers the belt but also functions as a belt guard and prevents outward creeping of the belt. Inward creeping of the belt is prevented by the side wall I66 of the guard section I62,.and the top and bottom walls I10 and I14 of the guard section I62 support the belt when the pressure of the idle pulley I42 on the belt I is released. As shown in Figure 2, the side wall I18 of the outer guard section I64 is provided with an opening I96 therein through which extends the arm I 44 onwhich the idle pulley I42 is mounted, in order'that the arm and idle pulley may be operated.

As best shown in Figures 1 to 5, inclusive, a drawbar structure is provided whereby certain types of equipment may be attached to the tractor. member or bar 200 having 'U -shaped side portions 202 terminating in upwardly extending end portions 204 which are positioned on the inner sides of the frame plates 36 and connected therewith by means of bolts. The frame plates 36 and the end portions 204 of the guide member 200 are provided with a plurality of holes forreceiving the bolts in order that the guide member may be adjustably positioned vertically relatively to the frame plates 36. It will be noted'that the U- shaped portions 202 of the guide member 200 extend beneath the frame plates 36 and limit the uppermost position of the guide member 200 reltively to the frame plates thereby preventing an implement from being hitched too high to the tractor and eliminating the probability of the tractor overturning during operation."

A drawbar 206 is provided comprising a bar in formation and positioned beneath the frame bars I6 to which it is fixedly connected. The bar member 208 extends over and rests on the guide member 200 and is provided with an ofiset end portion 2 I8 connected to the extension member 2E0 by means of a bolt.

The extension member 2% extends beneath the The bar member 208 and the extension mem ber 2 it are provided with a plurality of holes 220.

for being adjustably connected together in order that the overall length of the drawbar may be varied to provide the most suitable length of hitch for the implement orequipment connected to the drawbar.

It will be noted that the guide member 2001s also provided with a plurality of holes 220 for receiving bolts 230 which, may be positioned on opand is connected to the standard I68 and the post I30 by the same elements which connect the belt posite sides of the drawbar, as shown in Figure 5, and serve as stops for adjustably positioning the drawbar 20S laterally to provide the proper line of draft for the implement or equipment being J drawn.

When the tractor is to be used with certain implements or ground working tools, it may be.

The drawbar structure comprises a guide desirable to provide additional weight at the front of the tractor in which case hook bolts 232 (Fig: ures 1 to 3) may be disposed on the frame bars l6 at the front thereof with the hook portions of the bolts receivable in recesses 234 in the motor supporting block 40, and one or more weights 2" may be positioned beneath the frame I! and supported by the hook bolts 232 extending therethrough.

Modifications and changes may be made with out departing from the spirit of the invention,

and it is intended that the invention be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

. I claim:

1. A device of the character described comprising a pair of spacedapart frame members, a transmission housing supported by rear transport wheels and provided with a pair of spaced apart depending portions, said frame members being extended between the depending portions and connected to the transmission housing, a motor supporting body connected to the frame members at the front thereof, an oscillating cross beam positioned forwardly of and connected to the supporting body, and front wheels connected to and supporting the cross beam.

2. A device of the character described comprising a pair of spaced apart frame members, front 3. A tractor comprising a frame, a beam trans-' versely positioned at the front of the frame and operatively connected thereto, said beam being oscillatable vertically, a pair of brackets mounted on the beam and positioned on opposite sides of the frame, wheels mounted on the brackets,

means for fastening the brackets to the beam, said brackets being adjustable longitudinally of the beam for varying the-distance between the wheels, a steering mechanism carried by the frame, linkage for connecting the brackets to the steering mechanism, said linkage being adjustable to correspond to the spaced positions of the wheels, said linkage including outer arms connected to the brackets, an intermediate arm adconnecting the beam to the motor supporting body for permitting the beam to be oscillated relatively .to said body, said means including a clamping member connected to the beam, and a shaft? journalled in the motor supporting body and connected to the clamping member.

5. A tractor comprising a frame, wheels for supporting the frame, a motor carried by the frame and provided with a driving pulley, a transmission connected to the frame and the wheels and provided with a driven pulley, a belt disposed on said pulleys for transmitting power to the transmission, an idling pulley in engagement with the belt for holding the belt taut, a manually operable lever operatively connected to the idling pulley for controlling the tautness of the belt, and a guard member positioned adjacent a side of said belt for limiting lateral movement of the belt in a given direction and having a transverse portion positioned beneath the belt for supporting a portion of the belt when in a slack condition.

6. A tractor comprising a frame, wheels for supporting the frame, a motor carried by the frame and provided with a driving pulley, a transmission connected to the frame and the wheels and provided with a driven pulley, a belt disposed on said pulleys for transmitting power to thetransmission, an idling pulley in engagement with the belt for holding'the belt taut, a

manually operable lever operatively connected to the idling pulley for controlling the tautness of the belt, a guard member positioned adjacent a side of said belt for limiting lateral movement of the belt in a given direction and having a transverse portion positioned beneath the belt for supporting a portion of the belt when in a slack condition, and a cowling for housing the motor, said cowling having a side portion extending on the other side of the belt from the guard for limiting lateral movement of the belt in the opposite direction.

' WILLIAM L. ZINK, 

